Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Information may include:
legislation, guidelines and awards
organisation, legal and policy documents
offender information management files
reports, including incident reports
case management files and case notes
human resources and personnel records
published media
specialist research findings
data and information held by other services, agencies and practitioners
information gathered from the client or the client's agent.
Sources of information may include:
those internal to the organisation, such as:
intranet
databases and files
library collections
internal publications
annual reports
newsletters
other staff
those external to the organisation, such as:
internet
local, state or territory, national and international libraries and archives
publications from other agencies and organisations
staff in external organisations.
Methods of obtaining information may include:
observation and listening
checking written material, including referrals and client files
questioning, in person or indirectly
individual research
checking research provided by others.
Legislation, policy and procedures may include:
federal, and state or territory legislation, standards and guidelines especially relating to privacy, confidentiality, freedom of information, security, fraud control, copyright and intellectual property
government policy
code of ethics
Australian standards, such as records management, knowledge management and risk management
organisation's code of conduct.
Analysis of information may include:
qualitative analysis
quantitative analysis
critical analysis
problem solving
matching information
statistical analysis
mathematical calculations
forecasting.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit should be assessed in the workplace, or where this is not feasible, in a suitable simulation applying the context and material of the workplace and its requirement. Assessment should include the opportunity to demonstrate evidence from work in the wider community. Evidence should be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the candidate can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Evidence will be required of performance in a range of variables required by the work site and the defined work role and responsibilities.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
ability to gather and analyse information in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when gathering and analysing information, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to information research, presentation and management
access to electronic information and records management systems
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
Evidence must include observation and information generated in the workplace as well as observation of performance in routine work functions or, where this is not possible, in a simulated exercise.
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues
case studies
scenarios
simulations or role plays.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.